HOOVER, Ala. -- James Franklin's appearance at Southeastern Conference Media Days didn't depart much from the script.

You knew Franklin was going to be asked multiple times about the dismissal of four of his players: Brandon Banks, Corey Batey, Tip McKenzie and Brandon Vandenburg. As expected, Franklin deflected each, saying it was an "ongoing investigation" and he couldn't talk about it.

You also knew he'd be asked if recruiting players of questionable character was a necessity for winning. As expected, Franklin said it would never happen at Vanderbilt.